By Colin Smeeton
Elizabeth Dale has published a memoir of life on the west coast of the island from the time before readily available electrical power and when horses were still the only form of transport.
Entitled Ramblings of an Arran Lass – A West Side Story, the 75-page book is richly illustrated with historic and family photographs of people and places from the area which will be familiar to many on Arran.
A somewhat reluctant author, the book only came about after Liz – as she is known – was constantly encouraged by family and friends to write down her many tales from “the auld days”.
After putting pen to paper and with much trepidation, she decided there may be a grain of interest in her stories, if only owing to the hugely different lifestyle back then.
The candid book has nine main chapters; a geographic ramble; seasons; kin folk; the changing 50s; kirk tales; wee snippets – a concoction of lore; Balmichael days; meeting places and an addendum called Baldie’s stanes.
Each chapter portrays a life, very different from modern times, and the author’s rich family history intermingles with familiar names of well-known people from the not-too-distant past. History, archaeology, farming and social history are all wrapped up in the uncomplicated and easy to read book which is filled with amusing anecdotes.
Ramblings of an Arran Lass is available at the Wee Bookshop in Corrie and the Harbour Shop in Blackwaterfoot. You can also arrange a copy from the author by sending an email to dales.learig@hotmail.co.uk
Elizabeth Dale with her book Ramblings of an Arran Lass – A West Side Story. 01_B50ALass01_23_Elizabeth_Dale
The attractive and well designed book was designed and printed by Clyde Studios in Saltcoats. No_B50ALass02_23_book_cover